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Power Conditioner: Isotek, Audioquest or other?

Hello,

I know a lot of you do not like or believe in power conditioners. But I want to protect my system and improve sound and video quality.

I am trying to decide between the ISOTEK evo3 Aquarious and the Audioquest Niagara 1200 for my main system. I have read good reviews about them both, asked a couple of shops and one recomended the Niagara and the other the Isotek. Both gave the same reason: "it souds better".

First system: Power amp, preamp/dac, tv, computer, computer motitor, ruter, nas. (Probably will plug the last 4 on a different power strip)

For my second system, I am thinking about the Audioquest Powerquest 3, but I can not find any reviews. So, can any one tell me about their experience with it? I am open to other sugestions also.

Second system: Power amp, preamp, network player/dac, tv, computer and network switch. (These will all be plugged in to the Powerquest for example). I also like the powerquest3 because of the on off switch. I do not use this system as much so I like to cut the power off completly.

If you need specifics on my systems, I will give no problem.
Right now I am using 2 Salicru safe7 surge protectors, they are cheapos and probably not the best in protection or for my system.


Thanks.


coto37
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
@OP,
The best way to minimize damage from surges is to put a whole house protector at the main box. They aren't expensive and the hook up (by and experienced electrician) shouldn't be much either. These surge protectors are sacrificial, but at least everything downstream is protected in the unlikely event of a power surge.

If lightning did strike your power conditioner as well as your equipment would probably get fried. But, you might get lucky.
In my opinion, the Niagra 1200 is the way to go. The Powerquest is a much older product and the changes/improvements Garth at AQ has made with power products is impressive- the Niagra 1200 being one of them.
Bob
erik_squires
16,056 posts
 
I use a belt/suspenders approach whenever possible.

Whole house protection at the panel and/or meter. These are usually not rated to save delicate electronics however. Read the rating/instructions carefully. This has to do with the time to respond and V at which they activate.

At the equipment end I use series mode surge suppression from Furman. Zero activation time, and a much lower clamping voltage.


coto37 OP
7 posts
 
Hi,

Bob, I thought the powerquest 3 was over a year old and used Garths design. I thought it was just a lower budget power conditioner. I was considering it for my second system, just wish I had more reviews to decide.

I know best protection is at the house mains fuse box, but I prefer not to mess with it because I am in a rental.

Also my question about the 6000V/3000A non sacrifitial surge protection question,was because compared with Isotek Aquarious it is less. The Isotek is over 67000A surge protection. So just wondering what would happen to the Niagara or PQ3 if it went over the value AQ gives. It will probably die, but will it protect sacrifing it self or everything connected will die too?

Thanks.
agisthos
504 posts
 
For a long time I have been using various parallel power filters and power distributors, devices from Isotek, MIT, Audio Magic and PS Audio.

But I was surprised to find the Nordost QB8 v2 beat them all and was the best in my system. I initially dismissed it as an empty box. It just has a simple looking PCB inside that apparently does some kind of star ground lift and nothing else. No filters of any kind.

I am using Nordost Heimdall 2 power cables, so perhaps there is a synergy with those cables, and it's possible with another brand of cables the gains using the QB8 would not be so apparent. So I can't say if the QB8 will work so well for everyone - but I am sold on it.

And it has a ground post to continue the Nordost upgrade path to add their new QKore grounding boxes (or something like the Enreq).
zar
185 posts
 
I'm fortunate enough to have the space for three audio systems plus a home theater set up. In my main rig I use an Isotek Aquarius with an Audioquest Thunder power cable. I purchased the Isotek from The Audio Doctor after reading how they compared Isotek to Audioquest and how the former blew away the latter.  I've been very happy with it and the only change I might make would be possible to go to a Isotek power cable. I love tbe Thunder but it's just too long (3 meters).  In my second system I use an Isotek Sirius, my third rig is a vintage set up and I have it all plugged in to a Furutec power strip. My home theater is plugged in to a Furman PST-8.  
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